Dynamic laundry deflector for a household appliance

ABSTRACT

A washer including a housing, a washing tub in the housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum, and a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub, the dynamic deflector being one of translatable in one or more axes and rotatable about one or more of the axes, the dynamic deflector deflecting the laundry that contacts the dynamic deflector toward the interior of the drum.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a household appliance, and more particularly, to a household appliance including a laundry deflector for deflecting laundry from the front part of the laundry drum to the rear part of the laundry drum, and more particularly, to a household appliance including a dynamic laundry deflector for deflecting laundry from the front part of the laundry drum to the rear part of the laundry drum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A household appliance, such as a front-loading clothes washer, includes a housing supported by a structure, such as a floor. A door provides access to a washing unit in the interior of the washer housing. The washing unit includes a tub having a cylindrical washing drum rotatably mounted inside the tub. A drive system rotates the washing drum inside the tub about an axis of the drum. A stationary gasket, such as a bellow seal, couples the washing unit to the housing such that the washing unit can move relative to the housing.

In operation, clothes or laundry are inserted into the washer through the door and placed in the rotating washing drum inside the tub. The household appliance wets the laundry to be washed with washing liquid and mechanically moves the laundry to release contaminants from the laundry, for example, during a low speed tumbling cycle in which the drive system rotates the washing drum at a low speed.

During a high speed spinning cycle, the drive system rotates (i.e., spins) the washing drum at a high speed to substantially remove the washing liquid from the drum. In operation, the laundry may be lifted toward the upper portion of the washing drum and may migrate forward in the washing drum toward the door and the stationary gasket. If laundry is able to slip between the rotating washing drum and the stationary gasket, or between the stationary gasket and the washer door, the gasket and/or the laundry may be damaged to some degree, particularly during such a high-speed spinning cycle.

To address this problem, conventional washers may include a static laundry deflector in the region of the stationary gasket or bellows seal and, more specifically, in the twelve o'clock position. The static laundry deflector may be formed on the door sealing ring such that it is directed toward the drum and serves to return or deflect the laundry back into the rotating drum. The static laundry deflector is a fixed, rigid element having no moving parts and that does not move or change position with respect to the tub.

For example, a conventional front-loading drum-type washing machine commonly can include an appliance housing, a suds container or tub, a drum rotatably disposed in the suds container, and a bellows seal disposed between the tub and the appliance housing and configured to seal a door opening area of the appliance housing. The bellows seal commonly can include a static laundry deflector disposed in a region of a twelve o'clock position of the bellows seal. The static laundry deflector is a fixed, rigid element that generally is directed towards the drum. During operation, some of the laundry items entering the region of the static laundry deflector may contact the static laundry deflector and generally may be deflected by the laundry deflector back into the washing drum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes that, while the conventional static laundry deflectors may be helpful for deflecting or returning some laundry back into the washing drum, these conventional static deflectors have a problem in that the static laundry deflector may snag or catch laundry, particularly during a high speed spinning cycle during which clothes may be lifted toward, or up to, the upper portion of the washing drum, which may result in damage to the laundry. This may cause the user to incur costs for replacing damaged laundry and may affect a user's perception and satisfaction associated with the operation, effectiveness, and quality of the washer. The laundry that is snagged or caught by the static deflector also may be able to slip between the rotating washing drum and the stationary gasket, or between the stationary gasket and the washer door, which may result in damage to the gasket and/or the laundry.

Additionally, the conventional static deflectors generally are not capable of withstanding repeated strikes without either wearing away or breaking. If the deflector wears away or breaks, the washer's gasket eventually may become compromised or damaged, thereby resulting in leaks and possibly damage to the washer, as well as damage to the user's premises, such as water damage. This may increase the operating and maintenance costs incurred by the user and also may reduce the overall lifespan of the washer.

These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, which provides a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub, the dynamic deflector deflecting the laundry that contacts the dynamic deflector toward the interior of the drum.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “dynamic” means of or relating to motion or movement from a resting position.

For purposes of this disclosure, a “dynamic deflector” is defined as a deflector having at least a portion thereof that is moveable about one or more axes, including rotational and/or translational movement about one or more axes. The movement of the dynamic deflector is not limited to a particular type of movement and can include movement in one or more dimensions. The movement of the dynamic deflector, or a portion of the dynamic deflector, can include, for example, one or more of rotation, oscillation, translation, sliding, bending, flexing, swinging, revolution, vibration, etc.

A first exemplary embodiment is directed to a washer including a housing, a washing tub in the housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum, and a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub, the dynamic deflector deflecting the laundry that contacts the dynamic deflector toward the interior of the drum.

A second exemplary embodiment is directed to a washer comprising a housing, a washing tub in the housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening at a front portion of the drum for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum, a stationary rubber gasket surrounding the opening and coupling the housing to the washing tub, and a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub at a location adjacent to the stationary rubber gasket, a portion of the dynamic deflector being moveable and extending into a region of the opening of the drum, the dynamic deflector deflecting laundry that contacts the portion of the dynamic deflector away from the opening of the drum and the stationary rubber gasket, and toward a rear portion of the drum.

A third exemplary embodiment is directed to a washer comprising a housing, a washing tub in the housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening at a front portion of the drum for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum, a stationary rubber gasket surrounding the opening and coupling the housing to the washing tub, and dynamic deflector means for deflecting laundry away from the opening of the drum and the stationary rubber gasket, and toward a rear portion of the drum, the dynamic deflector means being coupled to the washing tub.

The dynamic deflector can be a passive or an active dynamic deflector. For example, in the case of a passive dynamic deflector, the dynamic deflector may move in response to force exerted on it by physical contact with the laundry. In this manner, the force associated with the movement or impact of the laundry against the dynamic deflector may induce movement of the dynamic deflector. The dynamic deflector may include a bearing, such as friction-reducing ball bearings, or other friction reducing device that reduces a resistance of the dynamic deflector to movement, thereby providing a dynamic deflector that is easily and freely movable or rotatable, etc. The present invention provides important advantages in that the dynamic deflector reduces snagging of the laundry and deflects the laundry toward the interior of the drum, and more particularly, toward the rear of the drum and away from the opening and the stationary rubber gasket. Additionally, the dynamic deflector may absorb some of the energy from the movement or impact of the laundry, thereby dissipating some of the force and reducing or eliminating the possibility of damage to the laundry or the washer.

In other embodiments, an active dynamic deflector can be provided. For example, the movement of the dynamic deflector can be continuously or intermittently induced by a mechanical drive system, such as a motor, belt, external or internal gears, rolling or toothless gears, etc. The movement of the dynamic deflector also can be induced by the movement or vibration of other components of the washer. For example, the rotation of the drum in the washing tub can directly or indirectly cause movement of the dynamic deflector.

In other embodiments, the dynamic deflector can be activated in response to a signal from, for example, a sensor or a controller. For example, the dynamic deflector may be activated in response to a signal from a sensor that detects movement of the laundry, an impending impact by the laundry on the dynamic deflector, etc. The dynamic deflector may be activated in response to a signal from a controller or control module based, for example, on the operating cycle (or the stage of the operating cycle) being performed by the washer, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dynamic deflector can be moved by a variety of other means. For example, the dynamic deflector can include an electromagnetic device, piezoelectric device, hydraulic device, pneumatic device, etc. that induces motion of at least a portion of the dynamic deflector.

Exemplary embodiments of the dynamic deflector also may include a spring and/or damper mechanism, for example, for returning the dynamic deflector to a resting position and/or absorbing force from the impact of the laundry.

In this manner, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can safely push or deflect laundry from the front part of the washing drum towards the rear part so that neither the laundry nor the appliance is damaged by the laundry striking stationary portions of the washing container during high-speed spinning. Additionally, the exemplary embodiments can reduce or prevent snagging or capturing of the laundry on the dynamic deflector, thereby minimizing or preventing damage caused to the laundry. The exemplary embodiments also can reduce or prevent the occurrence of laundry slipping between the rotating washing drum and the stationary gasket, or between the stationary gasket and the washer door, thereby further minimizing or preventing damage to the gasket and/or the laundry.

The dynamic deflector can have various shapes, sizes, surface features, patterns, arrangements, mounting angles, or combinations thereof, that promote the deflection of laundry from the front part of the washing drum towards the rear part of the washing drum such that neither the laundry nor the appliance is damaged by the laundry striking stationary portions of the washing container during high-speed spinning, and that may reduce or prevent snagging or capturing of the laundry on the dynamic deflector, thereby minimizing or preventing damage caused to the laundry. In this manner, the present invention reduces or prevents the occurrence of laundry slipping between the rotating washing drum and the stationary gasket, or between the stationary gasket and the washer door, thereby further minimizing or preventing damage to the gasket and/or the laundry.

For example, the dynamic deflector can include a ball-shaped portion, a cylindrical-shaped portion, a conical-shaped portion, or another shape, such as a wheel. The dynamic deflector or a portion of the dynamic deflector, such as a moveable portion, can include an outer surface having a substantially smooth surface or a textured surface. In other embodiments, a portion of the dynamic deflector can include an outer surface having a plurality of bristles extending radially from the outer surface, or a plurality of fingers extending radially from the outer surface, among other things. The fingers can be rigid to reduce or prevent deformation of the fingers, or resilient to allow the fingers to deform when impacted by the laundry and return to the original position after the laundry is deflected toward the rear portion of the drum.

The dynamic deflector or a portion of the dynamic deflector, such as a moveable portion, can include a rigid outer surface, a resilient outer surface, a combination of rigid and resilient outer surface portions, or a combination of a rigid interior part and a resilient outer part surrounding at least a portion of the rigid interior part, among other arrangements.

The textured surface can include a surface feature including one or more of a dimple, a divot, an indentation, a rib, a protrusion, and a groove, among other things. These surface features can be distributed uniformly over the textured surface, or distributed randomly over the textured surface. The type of surface features can be homogeneous over the textured surface. In other embodiments, two or more types of surface features can be provided such that the types of surface features are inhomogeneous over the textured surface. The dynamic deflector or a portion of the dynamic deflector, such as a moveable portion, can include one or more radiused edges to reduce or prevent snagging, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the dynamic deflector includes a free-spinning wheel mounted on a spindle (e.g., a shaft or axle) which protrudes from the washing container's tub assembly in a position which allows the free-spinning wheel to push small pieces of laundry away from the area between the rotating drum and the stationary rubber gasket. The free-spinning wheel spins freely such that the free-spinning wheel does not act as an obstructing object that might inhibit the ability of the washing drum to move freely without interference. The shape and position of the free-spinning wheel is configured such that, when a small part of the laundry makes contact with the free-spinning wheel, the free-spinning wheel will move the laundry towards the rear of the washing drum without damaging the laundry or otherwise obstructing the movement of the washing drum during high-speed spinning.

In the exemplary embodiments, the free-spinning wheel may be formed as a solid part, a solid part with protrusions and/or divots, a semi-solid part having some flex, a solid-core part having a softer outer perimeter made of rubber-like materials or bristle brushes made of various materials. For example, the free-spinning dynamic deflector or wheel may include nylon bristle brushes, among other materials.

In contrast to the conventional static deflectors, which can damage laundry and generally are not capable of withstanding repeated strikes without either wearing away or breaking, the exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a dynamic deflector that is capable of withstanding repeated strikes without reducing or limiting a functionality or ability of the dynamic deflector to deflect the laundry back into the rotatable drum during high speed spinning.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a washer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13C is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14A is a top view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15B is a rear view of a dynamic deflector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-15B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a dynamic deflector for a household appliance, such as a washer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a household appliance, such as a front-loading clothes washer 100, includes a housing 110. A door 112 provides access to a washing unit in the interior of the appliance housing 110.

Referring to FIG. 2, the washing unit includes a washing tub 114 in the housing 110 and a drum 116 rotatably mounted in the washing tub 114 for receiving laundry to be washed. The drum 116 has an axis of rotation and an opening for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum 116. A drive system (not shown) rotates the washing drum 116 inside the tub 114 about an axis of the drum 116. A stationary gasket 118, such as a bellow seal, couples the washing unit to the housing 110 such that the washing unit can move relative to the housing 110.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a washer having a dynamic deflector 200 coupled to the washing tub 114. At least a portion (e.g., 202) of the dynamic deflector 200 is moveable for deflecting the laundry that contacts the dynamic deflector toward the interior of the drum 116, and more particularly, toward a rear of the drum 116. For example, in this embodiment, a portion (e.g., 202) of the dynamic deflector 200 is freely rotatable and extends radially into a region of the opening of the drum 116. In operation, the dynamic deflector 200 deflects laundry that contacts the portion of the dynamic deflector 200 toward the interior of the drum 116. In this manner, the exemplary embodiments can safely push or deflect laundry from the front part of the drum 116 towards the rear part of the drum 116 such that neither the laundry nor the appliance is damaged by the laundry striking stationary portions of the washing tub 114 during high-speed spinning. Additionally, exemplary embodiments of the dynamic deflector 200 reduce or prevent snagging or capturing of the laundry on the dynamic deflector 200, thereby minimizing or preventing damage caused to the laundry. The exemplary embodiments of the dynamic deflector 200 also can reduce or prevent the occurrence of laundry slipping between the rotating drum 116 and the stationary gasket 118, or between the stationary gasket 118 and the washer door 112 (shown in FIG. 1), thereby further minimizing or preventing damage to the gasket 118 and/or the laundry.

Referring again to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, a portion of the dynamic deflector 200 includes a moveable portion (e.g., a free-spinning rotatable portion 202). The dynamic deflector 200 includes a spindle 204 having a first fixed end coupled to the washing tub 114 and a second free end extending radially toward a region of the opening of the drum 116. The free-spinning rotatable portion 202 is rotatably coupled to the spindle 204. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 is rotatable about an axis A1 of the spindle 204. A bearing can be provided between the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 and the spindle 204 such that the portion 202 can rotate freely with respect to the spindle 204.

The spindle 204 can be coupled to the washing tub 114 in a variety of manners, such as directly inserting the fixed end of the spindle 204 into a mounting hole or support on the washing tub 114. In other embodiments, the spindle 204 can be coupled to an intermediary part that is coupled to the washing tub 114 or another stationary part of the washer. In another embodiment, a bearing can be provided between the spindle 204 and the washing tub 114 or intermediary part such that the assembly of the spindle 204 and the portion 202 can rotate freely with respect to the tub 114 or intermediary part. The spindle 204 can extend along a straight line from the tub 114, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. In other embodiments, the spindle 204 can have be an angled bracket, an L-shaped bracket (i.e., angled 90° or another angle), or the like to position the portion 202 in the desired location in the region of the opening of the drum 116.

Referring to FIG. 2, an axis of the spindle 204 extends radially toward a center of the opening of the drum 116. In other embodiments, the axis of the spindle 204 intersects the axis of rotation of the drum 116 at a right angle or at an angle other than a right angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum 116. For example, the axis of spindle 204 can extend radially toward the center of the opening of the drum 116, while also being angled toward a rear portion of the drum 116. In another exemplary embodiment, the spindle 204 can be arranged such that the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 rotates about an axis of the spindle 204 that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum 116.

The portion of the dynamic deflector 200 can extend radially into any region of the opening of the drum 116. In an embodiment, the portion of the dynamic deflector 200 preferably extends radially into an upper region of the opening of the drum 116 to deflect laundry that is lifted to the upper portion of the drum 116, for example, during a high speed spinning cycle. In another embodiment, the portion of the dynamic deflector 200 extends radially into a region of a twelve o'clock position of the opening of the drum 116 to deflect laundry that is lifted to the uppermost portion of the drum 116, for example, during a high speed spinning cycle. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 includes an outer surface having a plurality of bristles 206 extending radially from the outer surface of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated features and other embodiments are contemplated by the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dynamic deflector 200 can have various shapes, sizes, surface features having different arrangements and/or patterns, can be positioned at different angles and/or in different regions of the opening, or combinations thereof, that promote the deflection of laundry from the front part of the drum 116 towards the rear part of the drum 116 such that neither the laundry nor the appliance is damaged by the laundry striking stationary portions of the washing tub 114 or other stationary parts during high-speed spinning. Moreover, the embodiments may reduce or prevent snagging or capturing of the laundry on the dynamic deflector 200, thereby minimizing or preventing damage caused to the laundry. The embodiments may reduce or prevent the occurrence of laundry slipping between the rotating drum 116 and the stationary gasket 118, or between the stationary gasket 118 and the washer door 112 (shown in FIG. 1), thereby further minimizing or preventing damage to the gasket 118 and/or the laundry.

For example, as explained in greater detail below, the dynamic deflector 200 can include a ball-shaped portion (e.g., ball-portion), a cylindrical-shaped portion (e.g., cylindrical portion), a conical-shaped portion (e.g., conical portion), or another shape, such as a wheel-shaped portion (e.g., wheel portion). The free-spinning rotatable portion 202 can include an outer surface having a substantially smooth surface, a textured surface, an outer surface having a plurality of bristles extending radially from the outer surface, or a plurality of fingers extending radially from the outer surface, among other things. The fingers can be rigid to reduce or prevent deformation of the fingers, or resilient, for example, to allow the fingers to deform when impacted by the laundry and return to the original position after the laundry is deflected toward the rear portion of the drum 116.

The free-spinning rotatable portion 202 can include a rigid outer surface, a resilient outer surface, or a combination of a rigid interior part and a resilient outer part surrounding at least a portion of the rigid interior part.

The textured surface can include a surface feature including one or more of a dimple, a divot, an indentation, a rib, a protrusion, and a groove. These surface features can be distributed uniformly over the textured surface, or distributed randomly over the textured surface. The type of surface features can be the same or homogeneous over the textured surface. In other embodiments, two or more types of surface features can be provided such that the types of surface features are inhomogeneous over the textured surface.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-11B, exemplary embodiments of a dynamic deflector 200 will now be described.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 is a cylindrical-shaped portion rotatably coupled to the spindle 204. In this embodiment, the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 includes an outer surface having a substantially smooth surface. The smooth surface of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 can be a rigid outer surface, a resilient outer surface, a combination of rigid outer surface portions and resilient outer surface portions, or a combination of a rigid interior part and a resilient outer part surrounding at least a portion of the rigid interior part. For example, the resilient outer surface can be a rubber outer surface. The substantially smooth surface can extend along the longitudinal length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202, as well as the end portions or faces of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 has a cylindrical-shaped portion rotatably coupled to the spindle 204 and including an outer surface having a plurality of bristles 206 extending radially from the outer surface of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles 206 are formed over the surface extending along the longitudinal length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In other embodiments, the bristles 206 also can be formed on one or more of the end portions or faces of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 has a textured outer surface including a plurality of dimples 208 uniformly distributed across the outer surface. For illustrative purposes, the surface features are illustrated as having substantially the same size and shape, as well as a uniform pattern. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the surface features can have varying sizes, shapes, or patterns, or no pattern at all (i.e., random). In the illustrated embodiment, the dimples 208 are formed over the surface extending along the longitudinal length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In other embodiments, the dimples 208 also can be formed on one or more of the end portions or faces of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 has a cylindrical-shaped portion rotatably coupled to the spindle 204 and includes an outer surface having a plurality of resilient or rigid fingers 210 extending radially from the outer surface of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the fingers 210 are formed over the surface extending along the longitudinal length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In other embodiments, the fingers 210 also can be formed on one or more of the end portions or faces of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 has a textured outer surface including a plurality of grooves 212 distributed (e.g., uniformly distributed) across the outer surface. The grooves can extend circumferentially around the free-spinning rotatable portion 202, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 9A, at an angle with respect to the axis of the spindle 204, or have a wave pattern, among other things. In other exemplary embodiments, the grooves can have varying sizes, shapes, or patterns, or no pattern at all (i.e., random). The grooves may be continuous or disconnected from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 212 are formed over the surface extending along the longitudinal length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In other embodiments, the grooves 212 also can be formed on one or more of the end portions or faces of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 is a conical-shaped portion rotatably coupled to the spindle 204. The free-spinning rotatable portion 202 has a textured outer surface including a plurality of dimples 214 distributed across the outer surface. For illustrative purposes, the surface features are illustrated as having substantially the same size and shape, as well as a uniform pattern. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the surface features can have varying sizes, shapes, or patterns, or no pattern at all (i.e., random).

The exemplary embodiments of the dynamic deflector can have various other shapes. For example, the free-spinning rotatable portion can include a first end portion adjacent to the fixed end of the spindle and having a first diameter, and a second end portion adjacent to the free end of the spindle and having a second diameter. The first diameter of the first end portion can be greater than the second diameter of the second end portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the free-spinning rotatable portion can steadily decrease in size from the first end to the second end, for example, as in the conical-shaped portion illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, or the diameter of the free-spinning rotatable portion can fluctuate (e.g., increase or decrease) one or more times between the first end and the second end.

Moreover, the cylindrical-shaped portion or conical-shaped portion can include radiused edges to further reduce or prevent snagging, etc.

In the illustrated embodiments, the spindle 204 is shown as being exposed on the rear face or end of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. However, in other embodiments, the free end of the spindle 204 can be concealed under an end cover formed on the rear face or end of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202. In still other embodiments, the rear face or end of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 can be solid such that the spindle 204 is not exposed. For example, the spindle 204 may extend only a portion of an interior length of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic deflector 200 in which the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 is a ball-shaped portion rotatably coupled to the spindle 204. In this embodiment, the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 includes an outer surface having a substantially smooth surface. The smooth surface of the free-spinning rotatable portion 202 can be a rigid outer surface, a resilient outer surface, a combination of rigid outer surface portions and resilient outer surface portions, or a combination of a rigid interior part and a resilient outer part surrounding at least a portion of the rigid interior part. For example, the resilient outer surface can be a rubber outer surface.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated embodiments in which the portion rotates about a spindle. Other embodiments are contemplated by the present invention in which the dynamic deflector, or a dynamic portion thereof, can move about one or more axes, including rotational and/or translational movement about one or more axes. For example, the portion 202 and the spindle 204 can be integrally formed, with the spindle 204 being rotatably coupled to the washing tub 114. The movement of the dynamic deflector also is not limited to a particular type of movement. For example, the movement of the dynamic deflector, or a portion of the dynamic deflector, can include one or more of rotation, oscillation, translation, sliding, bending, flexing, swinging, revolution, vibration, etc.

With reference, for example, to FIGS. 12A-12B, the dynamic deflector can include a portion 202 that translates, for example, in response to impact by the laundry or upon activation by an activating device. More particularly, the portion 202 can translate or slide in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle 204. In this embodiment, the portion 202 is capable of rotation and translation. However, other combinations of movements are possible.

For illustrative purposes, the portion 202 is shown having a ball-shaped portion. However, these embodiments are not limited to a ball-shaped portion and portions having other shapes, textures, etc. can be provided within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12A-12B, the spindle 204 is stationary and the portion 202 moves relative to the spindle 204. The dynamic deflector can include one or more spring mechanisms and/or dampers (e.g., spring 300), for example, for returning the dynamic deflector, or a portion thereof, to a resting position after movement occurs, or for absorbing some of the force of the impact by the laundry, etc. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the portion 202 can include a hollow cylindrical cavity that receives the spindle 204 therein. A spring 300 can be provided within the hollow cylindrical cavity, for example, between an end of the spindle 204 and an end of the cylindrical cavity of the portion 202 such that the spring is compressed when the portion 202 moves with respect to the spindle 204. Other arrangements of the spring mechanism are contemplated. For example, the spring can have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the spindle 204 such that the spindle 204 can be disposed coaxially within the diameter of the spring.

In other embodiments, both the portion 202 and the spindle 204 can move relative to the washing tub 114 and/or drum 116. The portion 202 and the spindle 204 can each move at the same rate as each other. Alternatively, the portion 202 and the spindle 204 can each move at different rates with respect to each other.

With reference to FIG. 13B, a spring mechanism and/or damper (e.g., spring 302) can be coupled between the spindle 204 and the washing tub 114 for returning the spindle 204 and the portion 202 to a resting position. In another embodiment, both of the springs 300, 302 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 13C.

With reference to FIGS. 14A (top down view) and 14B (side view), an exemplary embodiment of the dynamic deflector 200 can pivot or revolve about a point, for example, in response to impact by the laundry or upon activation by an activating device. In this embodiment, the portion 202 and the spindle 204 pivot or revolve together. However, in other embodiments, the portion 202 can pivot or revolve with respect to a coupling between the portion 202 and the spindle 204. The portion 202 also can be capable of rotation. Other combinations of movements also are possible.

In other embodiments, the spindle 204 can be flexible such that the spindle 204 itself bends of flexes in one or more axes when the laundry impacts the portion 202, instead of pivoting or revolving. The portion 202 also can rotate with respect to the spindle 204. In other embodiments, it is not necessary for the portion 202 to rotate with respect to the spindle 204. The spindle 204 can be integrally formed with the portion 202 such that the spindle 204 and the portion 202 bend, flex, or twist together.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-15B, another embodiment of a dynamic deflector includes a portion 202 that translates or slides, for example, in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spindle 204. The portion 202 can include, for example, a groove or slot (shown by dashed lines) that receives an end of the spindle 204 such that the spindle 204 follows the groove when the portion 202 translates. The groove can be straight, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, or curved to produce a curved motion of the portion 202.

The dynamic deflector 200 can be a passive or an active dynamic deflector. For example, in the case of a passive dynamic deflector, the dynamic deflector 200 may move in response to force exerted on it by physical contact with the laundry. In this manner, the force associated with the movement or impact of the laundry against the dynamic deflector 200 may induce movement of the dynamic deflector 200.

In other embodiments, an active dynamic deflector 200 can be provided. For example, the movement of the dynamic deflector 200 can be continuously or intermittently induced by a mechanical drive system (not shown), such as a motor, belt, external or internal gears, rolling or toothless gears, etc. The movement of the dynamic deflector 200 also can be induced by the movement or vibration of other components of the washer 100. For example, the rotation of the drum 116 in the washing tub 114 can directly or indirectly cause movement of the dynamic deflector 200.

In other embodiments, the dynamic deflector can be activated in response to a signal from, for example, a sensor or a controller. For example, the dynamic deflector 200 may be activated in response to a signal from a sensor (not shown) that detects movement of the laundry, an impending impact by the laundry on the dynamic deflector 200, etc. The dynamic deflector 200 may be activated in response to a signal from a controller or control module (not shown) based, for example, on the operating cycle (or the stage of the operating cycle) being performed by the washer, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dynamic deflector 200 can be moved by a variety of other means. For example, the dynamic deflector 200 can include an electromagnetic device, piezoelectric device, hydraulic device, pneumatic device, etc. (not shown) that induces motion of at least a portion (e.g., 202) of the dynamic deflector 200.

Another illustrative embodiment is directed to a washer including a housing, a washing tub in the housing, a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening at a front portion of the drum for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum, a stationary rubber gasket surrounding the opening and coupling the housing to the washing tub, and freely rotatable dynamic deflector means for deflecting laundry away from the opening of the drum and the stationary rubber gasket, and toward a rear portion of the drum, the freely rotatable dynamic deflector means being coupled to the washing tub. The means for deflecting can include a dynamic deflector 200, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-15B. The means for deflecting can include a moveable portion that is moveable about one or more axes, including rotational and/or translational movement about one or more axes. The movement of the means for deflecting is not limited to a particular type of movement and can include movement in one or more dimensions. The movement of the means for deflecting, or a portion of the means for deflecting, can include, for example, one or more of rotation, oscillation, translation, sliding, bending, flexing, swinging, revolution, vibration, etc.

In this manner, the exemplary embodiments can safely push or deflect laundry from the front part of the drum towards the rear part of the drum such that neither the laundry nor the appliance is damaged by the laundry striking stationary portions of the washing container during high-speed spinning, can reduce or prevent snagging or capturing of the laundry on the dynamic deflector, thereby minimizing or preventing damage caused to the laundry, and can reduce or prevent the occurrence of laundry slipping between the rotating drum and the stationary gasket, or between the stationary gasket and the washer door, thereby further minimizing or preventing damage to the gasket and/or the laundry.

The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly. 

1. A washer comprising: a housing; a washing tub in the housing; a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum; and a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub, the dynamic deflector deflecting the laundry that contacts the dynamic deflector toward the interior of the drum.
 2. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector includes a rotatable portion.
 3. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector includes a translatable portion.
 4. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector includes a pivotable portion.
 5. The washer of claim 2, wherein the dynamic deflector includes: a spindle having a fixed end coupled to the washing tub and a free end extending radially into a region of the opening of the drum, the rotatable portion being rotatably coupled to the spindle.
 6. The washer of claim 3, wherein the dynamic deflector includes: a spindle having a first fixed end coupled to the washing tub and a second free end extending radially into a region of the opening of the drum, the translatable portion being coupled to the spindle.
 7. The washer of claim 4, wherein the dynamic deflector includes: a spindle having a first fixed end coupled to the washing tub and a second free end extending radially into a region of the opening of the drum, the pivotable portion being coupled to the spindle at a location adjacent to the second free end of the spindle.
 8. The washer of claim 5, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatable about an axis of the spindle.
 9. The washer of claim 6, wherein the translatable portion is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the spindle.
 10. The washer of claim 8, wherein the axis of the spindle extends radially toward a center of the opening of the drum.
 11. The washer of claim 8, wherein the axis of the spindle is at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum.
 12. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector extends radially into a region of the opening of the drum.
 13. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector extends radially into an upper region of the opening of the drum.
 14. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector extends radially into a region of a twelve o'clock position of the opening of the drum.
 15. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes one of a ball-shaped portion, a cylindrical-shaped portion, and a conical-shaped portion.
 16. The washer of claim 5, wherein the rotatable portion includes: a first end portion adjacent to the fixed end of the spindle and having a first diameter; and a second end portion adjacent to the free end of the spindle and having a second diameter, the first diameter of the first end portion being greater than the second diameter of the second end portion.
 17. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion comprises a wheel.
 18. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes an outer surface having a substantially smooth surface.
 19. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes an outer surface having a plurality of bristles extending radially from the outer surface.
 20. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes an outer surface having a textured surface.
 21. The washer of claim 20, wherein the textured surface comprises a surface feature including one of a dimple, a divot, an indentation, a rib, a protrusion, and a groove.
 22. The washer of claim 20, wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of surface features.
 23. The washer of claim 22, wherein the plurality of surface features are distributed uniformly over the textured surface.
 24. The washer of claim 22, wherein the plurality of surface features are distributed randomly over the textured surface.
 25. The washer of claim 22, wherein a type of the plurality of surface features are homogeneous over the textured surface.
 26. The washer of claim 22, wherein a type of the plurality of surface features are inhomogeneous over the textured surface.
 27. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes an outer surface having one of: a plurality of resilient fingers extending radially from the outer surface; and a plurality of rigid fingers extending radially from the outer surface.
 28. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes a rigid outer surface.
 29. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes a resilient outer surface.
 30. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion comprises: a rigid interior part; and a resilient outer part surrounding a portion of the rigid interior part.
 31. The washer of claim 2, wherein the rotatable portion includes radiused edges.
 32. The washer of claim 1, wherein the dynamic deflector comprises a portion that is rotatable and one of translatable and pivotable.
 33. A washer comprising: a housing; a washing tub in the housing; a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening at a front portion of the drum for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum; a stationary rubber gasket surrounding the opening and coupling the housing to the washing tub; and a dynamic deflector coupled to the washing tub at a location adjacent to the stationary rubber gasket, a portion of the dynamic deflector being moveable and extending into a region of the opening of the drum, the dynamic deflector deflecting laundry that contacts the portion of the dynamic deflector away from the opening of the drum and the stationary rubber gasket, and toward a rear portion of the drum.
 34. A washer comprising: a housing; a washing tub in the housing; a drum rotatably mounted in the washing tub for receiving laundry to be washed, the drum having an axis of rotation and an opening at a front portion of the drum for inserting the laundry into an interior of the drum; a stationary rubber gasket surrounding the opening and coupling the housing to the washing tub; and dynamic deflector means for deflecting laundry away from the opening of the drum and the stationary rubber gasket, and toward a rear portion of the drum, the dynamic deflector means being coupled to the washing tub. 